Texas State regents begin confirmation

Two of three recently appointed Texas State University System regents appeared in front of the Senate nominations committee Monday to discuss their plans as leaders of the university system.

Charlie Amato, a San Antonio businessman who was reappointed, and Vernon Reaser of Houston, who owns the largest alternative teacher certification organization in the state, appeared while William Scott of Nederland, who owns a railroad construction business, did not attend.

All three have donated to Gov. Rick Perry’s political campaigns prior to being appointed by him to the board. Amato has given $35,900; Reaser has given $171,500, the most on the board; and Scott has written Perry checks for $84,293.

Reaser, a Texas State alum, was asked by Sen. Kirk Watson if his professional role is a conflict of interest for a regent.

Alternate certification for teachers does not take away students from higher education institutions because the individual must have a degree to become certified, he said.

“We are consumers of the universities,” Reaser said.

Reaser, while explaining his goal of improving teacher workloads, said, “When I went there, I remember this, a professor, I didn’t understand the rank of professors or anything, and maybe I still don’t. But I will, soon.”

The committee voted unanimously to recommend the full Senate confirm the appointments.